People

Bethan completed her BSc in Chemistry at the University of Nottingham in 2020. After graduating, she did a placement at GW Pharmaceuticals working as a Synthetic Organic Chemist, specialising in the field of CBD. Her PhD project with John Blacker, Nik Kapur and Steve Marsden explores the continuous separation of biotransformation products.

Joe graduated with an MEng in Chemical Engineering in 2021 from Selwyn College, University of Cambridge. In his final year project, he was supervised by Prof. Markus Kraft and Dr Jethro Akroyd. Working with the Computational Modelling group (CoMo), his research involved the AI implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals using Semantic Web technologies. Joe is now a first year PhD student, working with Prof. John Blacker, Prof. Richard Bourne and Prof. Nikil Kapur. His research is focused on the development of multistage self-optimising systems, with funding from AstraZeneca.

Zara graduated from the University of Leeds with a first-class degree in Chemistry (MChem) in 2021. During her undergraduate degree, Zara completed a Year in Industry at William Blythe Ltd, where she focused on the synthesis of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, targeted at niche electric vehicles. Her Master’s research project concentrated on various applications of new machine learning algorithms for synthetic chemistry, under the supervision of Professor Richard Bourne. Zara is now a 2nd year PhD CASE award student, supervised by Professor Richard Bourne, Professor Nikil Kapur, Dr Tom Chamberlain and Professor John Blacker. Her research is focused on microscale and segmented processes, moving towards a carbon neutral vision of process optimisation. 

James was awarded a first-class degree in chemistry (BSc) in 2023 from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2023. His undergraduate degree was part of an apprenticeship scheme where he also worked full time at Carbogen Amcis over the four-year period. During his time at Carbogen Amcis, James worked as a PRnD apprentice where his work consisted of developing processes for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical intermediates, cosmetic ingredients and fine chemicals. James is now a PhD student, supervised by Prof. John Blacker, Prof. Richard Bourne and Prof. Nikil Kapur. His research is focused on the development and use of a flow calorimetry platform in the determination of reaction kinetics.